As we head into colder days and cozier nights, I’ve been trying to find ways to wind down and reconnect with myself amid the holiday rush.

Check out my fall 2019 roundup of ethical and sustainable favorites, including the most recent addition to my self-care practice, a film that’s bound to be an instant classic, and how I’m staying warm and cozy this season (think: knitting and candles!).

While I don’t know if I can communicate with divine spirits via tarot, I do know that they’re a great way to make space for introspection, and even to support friends. Sometimes it’s easier to let the cards tell you (or a friend) a hard truth.

I bought the Modern Witch Tarot Deck by Lisa Sterle because the illustrations feature diverse humans (including BIPOC and people of all genders), giving the traditional imagery an inclusive update. The cards are also incredibly beautiful, and the deck is pretty affordable! I do a self-reading once a day or so and it’s become a relaxing addition to my self-care routine.

There’s nothing better than lighting a candle and sitting down with a book and a cup of tea. I’ve had a complimentary Keap subscription as part of their ambassador program for a few months now. Each month there’s a seasonal scent, and I have been really impressed with how much I like them! They’re made with non-toxic soy wax and come in biodegradable packaging, as well as a return label to send back empty containers to recycle (or you can wash them out to use as tumblers). This would make a great gift! (Disclosure: I have a free subscription as an ambassador, but I’m not required to blog about Keap, or even to post about them on social media.)

I read The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood a few years ago, before the Hulu series came out. If you don’t know the premise, it’s about a dystopian future society called Gilead, where women’s rights have completely regressed (a little too on-the-nose in today’s political climate). It was chilling and gripping and impossible to put down, and I couldn’t help wondering what happened after the book ended.

Thankfully, due to the explosion of interest in the novel after the Hulu adaptation, Atwood wrote the sequel, The Testaments, as an answer to fans. It takes place 15 years after the first novel and follows the stories of three women as Gilead begins to crumble. I found this one even more enjoyable than the first because there’s a thread of hope throughout, the characters are fantastic, and the ending is satisfying.

I’m always drawn to the look of a simple, structured bag. The box bag from Minor History stole my heart with its clean lines and bright cherry color. It has a detachable strap so you can also wear it as a crossbody. The bag is made from gorgeous vegetable-tanned leather and zero plastic, and has enough room for daily essentials and more. (Disclosure: this product was given to me to feature on my Instagram.)

I’m not usually one for thrillers (or, well, movies), but everyone in my life recommended this movie. And within a few minutes of the movie starting, I could tell why.

Parasite is a ‘dark comedy’ about a poor Korean family that slowly infiltrates a super rich family’s lives. It’s wickedly funny, beautifully shot, and the acting is phenomenal. It reminds me of the films Get Out and Sorry to Bother You, which are also thriller/horror movies that transcend the genre with biting sociopolitical commentary. I won’t say more because I don’t want to spoil anything… trust me, just go see it!

We are well into knitting season and I’ve already finished my first sweater! It’s the chunky crop sweater of my dreams and it took only a couple weeks to knit. I had a little photoshoot with Janet Ni in this sweater and love the hazy, dreamy look of the photos (thank you, greenhouse humidity).

My personal style just consists of throwing a grandpa cardigan over all my outfits. I love my Tradlands Shelter cardigan because it’s the perfect chunky knit to layer over any fall outfit. If you want to snag one for yourself or as a gift, you can use code ‘CAT15’ for 15% off! (Disclosure: this product was provided for inclusion in previous blog content, but I really like it, so I’m talking about it again.)